Bidding for jobs can be challenging, especially when you’re starting out. As we heard during the Prebble 2024 Young Landscaper of the Year, many contestants have ambitions of running their own business one day. So, NZ Landscaper has teamed up with Simpro to offer some advice!
Landing the right jobs hinges on one key skill: bidding. Whether you’re a seasoned landscaper or just starting out as a sole trader, understanding the ins and outs of construction bidding can make or break your business. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about landscaping bidding, from the basics to the challenges you might face along the way. Let's dive in!
What is bidding?
Bidding is the process whereby businesses submit proposals to undertake specific projects. Think of it as a job application to win a landscaping contract. The project owner, often a developer or government entity, invites bids from multiple contractors, each aiming to offer the best mix of cost, expertise and efficiency.
Why is bidding important?
Effective bidding is crucial because it determines which projects you’ll work on and, ultimately, your income. Winning bids means more work, steady cash flow and the chance to build a strong reputation. Poor bidding, on the other hand, can lead to missed opportunities, overextended resources and even financial losses.
Steps in bidding process?
To nail your bids and land those top-notch landscaping jobs, you need to understand the steps involved in the bidding process. Here’s a step-by-step guide that'll help you stay ahead of the game:
Bid solicitation
It all kicks off with bid solicitation. This is where the project owner puts out the call for bids. They do this through public announcements or sometimes they might even send you a direct invite if you're on their radar. The solicitation will spell out all the nitty-gritty, such as project scope, deadlines and any specific requirements they’ve got in mind.
Site visit and pre-bid meeting
Before you can start crunching numbers and jotting down figures, you need to get the lay of the land. This is where the site visit and pre-bid meeting come into play. The project
owner sets up a time for you and other potential bidders to check out the site. Site visits are your golden opportunity to ask all those burning questions, clear up any confusion and scope out any potential challenges that might pop up once the job kicks off. It's also a good time to take notes on site conditions and get a feel for what you’re working with.
Cost estimation and preparation
Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get down to the job of cost estimation. This step is all about putting together a solid plan that covers every aspect of the job. You need to estimate the costs of labour, materials, equipment and any subcontractors you might need to bring on board. Precision is key here – overshoot the costs, and you might price yourself out of the game; underestimate, and you could end up working for peanuts or even taking a loss.
Bids submission
Once you’ve got your bid prepped and polished, it’s time to send it off. Ensure that your bid is complete, accurate and submitted by the deadline. This isn't the time to slack off. Late or incomplete bids usually end up in the bin! Double-check everything, make sure you've included all required documents and hit that submit button, or hand it over in person.
Bid review and selection
After you’ve sent in your bid, the ball is in the project owner’s court. They’ll review all the bids and evaluate them based on cost, expertise, timeline and how well they meet the project requirements. It’s a bit like a job interview on paper. The project owner wants to know they’re getting the best bang for their buck and that the job will be done right. The winning bid gets the contract and it’s game on from there. Navigating through these steps can be a bit of a dance but get it right and you’ll be landing those prime landscaping jobs in no time. Remember, every bid is a chance to showcase your skills, expertise, and readiness to tackle the project head-on.
Built by the trades, for the trades, Simpro is a total business software for the trades – including landscapers. To learn more, visit simprogroup.com or contact sales@simpro.co.nz